Legislative Bills

HB0190S01 | Local Education Agency Personnel Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill establishes additional mechanisms for growth opportunities for certain school employees.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill:
14 ▸ broadens the scope of the Teacher Salary Supplement Program by removing a
15 requirement for a given number of years in a qualifying teaching background;
16 ▸ broadens the scope of the Grow Your Own [Educator] Pipeline Program to include
17 individuals seeking education to become a school psychologist or school social
18 worker;
19 ▸ adds psychologists and social workers to a non-inclusive list of local education
20 agency (LEA) employees for whom an LEA may establish a separate salary
21 schedule;
22 ▸ requires LEAs to ensure that the salary rate for certain positions meets a relative
23 minimum

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0190S01

Year:

2023

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 14, 2023

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2017-2 | Support for Counselors, Psychologists, and Social Workers in Schools

Impact on Children:

This bill fills the gap for the Grow your Own program and adds school psychologists and school social workers to the list of positions available
It expedites the eligibility to Teacher Salary Supplemental Program funding for the teachers (from 10 to 1 year)
It requires LEAs to segregates masters/PhD in their salary grid and not discriminate towards teachers and non teachers with similar degrees.

Commission:

Health

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations actively advocate for increased funding for additional trained counselors, psychologists, and social workers to assist and educate families and youthin both elementary and secondary schoolsparticipating inthe public school system.

HB0191S02 | Adoption Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends and enacts provisions relating to adoption.

Highlighted Provisions:

This Bill allows an attorney in the adoption or the child-placing agency to be provided the adoption report; allows the attorney in the adoption or the child-placing agency to take the adoption report to the state registrar; allows the spouse of a preexisting parent to adopt a child after the child's death; if a child-placing agency placed a child for adoption, provides that the child-placing agency file an affidavit regarding fees and expenses with the Office of Licensing within the Department of Human Services; and makes technical and conforming changes.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0191S02

Year:

2021

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 11, 2021

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

FAM 1990-2 | Child Adoptions (retired)

Impact on Children:

This was presented at the request of the Utah Adoption Council. It makes clarifications and housekeeping to existing language to make things run smoother in areas of adoption. The changes made help protect the child rights better in cases of adoption.

Commission:

Family Life

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA encourage the legislature to pass laws that will ensure that the best interests of the child be given primary emphasis in adoption matters

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

High standards for those who work in all areas concerned with children and youth

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

Support legislation, funding, and community partnerships that provide programs and resources to strengthen families and children’s social and emotional learning and well-being including, but not limited to: positive behavior programs and classes including art, music, physical education, civic engagement, and character development; early childhood education, parenting skills, and juvenile justice reforms.

HB0191 | Student Graduation Attire Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill addresses cultural and religious attire requirements worn during a high school graduation ceremony.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill:
13          ▸     defines terms; and
14          ▸     provides that students may wear recognized cultural or religious adornments during
15     a high school graduation unless the adornment substantially disrupts or materially
16     interferes with the graduation ceremony.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0191

Year:

2023

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 03, 2023

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

FAM 2022-2 | Support for Newcomer and Refugee Students and Families

Impact on Children:

Being able to honor their family and culture during graduation is of major importance to many of our students.

Commission:

Student Leadership

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations call on state, district and local leaders to uphold the value of diversity and multiculturalism as an asset to our state, our communities and our classrooms by seeking out ways to welcome and support refugee students and families to integrate as part of our school community;

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

3. FAMILY ENGAGEMENT. Support policies which will increase family and community engagement and promote local positive parental involvement across the state of Utah.

HB0191S03 | High School Credit Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill addresses the use of an instructional packet to receive credit in public high schools.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill prohibits LEAs from awarding course credit to students who have completed instructional packets unless the packet has been approved by USBE.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0191S03

Year:

2025

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 26, 2025

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Oppose

Impact on Children:

Local Education Agencies are the best place to decide what curricular materials can be used to receive credit. This does not need to be decided at the legislative level.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

EDUCATION. Support an adequately funded public school system by funding a 3% Weighted Pupil Unit (WPU) increase over and above growth and inflation; implement policies to increase proficiency levels by improving attendance, reducing class sizes, and supporting teachers; increase academic excellence for all Utah students; and prioritize local control to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and individual schools.

HB0192 | Public Education Scholarship Program Use Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill prohibits certain expenses from being scholarship expenses.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill prohibits certain expenses from qualifying for reimbursement through the Utah Fits All Scholarship Program. Expenses prohibited will include costs related to participation in sports, recreational activities, or athletic programs.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0192

Year:

2025

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 07, 2025

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2023-1 | Education Funding

Impact on Children:

Utah PTA is opposed to vouchers. Limiting the scope of the current voucher program is therefore a good idea. Public funds should not be used for things like ski passes and gear, which are a good example of items that would be prohibited by this legislation.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA and its constituent associations oppose funding mechanisms such as vouchers, tax credits, deductions.

HB0193S05 | Full-day Kindergarten

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions related to optional enhanced kindergarten.

Highlighted Provisions:

$12.2 million from the Uniform Education Fund will be distributed by the state board based on greatest need. If the cost of Optional Extended Day Kindergarten gets to 80% of the cost of the WPU, the Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee shall study the feasibility of kindergarten getting a full WPU. It also states that you cannot require a student to attend full day kindergarten.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0193S05

Year:

2022

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 24, 2022

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

$12,200,000

This bill appropriates in fiscal year 2023: to the Minimum School Program - Related to Basic School Programs: From the Uniform School Fund, $12,200,000.

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support w/ Comment

The fifth substitute for HB193 is a far cry from the original bill that would have given a full WPU for a kindergarten student. Although Utahns put education as their top priority it is once again near the bottom when it comes to funding. The 3rd substitute of this bill was supported and pushed for by every educational stakeholder in the state of Utah. The fifth substitute does give some increased funding but not to the level that will meet need or demand.

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2022-1 | Full-Day Kindergarten

Impact on Children:

This bill gives a start to expanding full day kindergarten options for Utah's children. Currently on 30% of Utah has access to full day kindergarten (FDK). Kindergarten is the foundation of a strong education. A successful kindergarten student will be more confident and have more skills to succeed.

Commission:

Family Life

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA supports the expansion of optional full-day kindergarten programs for students in need of support to achieve minimal learning
standards and requests increased funding to support such expansion

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

Equity in the form of equal justice, privileges, opportunities, and responsibilities in every phase of life for all children and youth, while recognizing that each child is unique with individual needs and talents. Prioritizing the needs of all children and youth, while adhering to fiscal responsibility in government.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

3. Support public education funding for high quality part and optional full day kindergarten, as well as other early childhood opportunities to adequately prepare our students to be successful learners.

HB0197 | Income Tax Rate Modifications

Description

General Description:

This bill amends the income tax rates.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill:
12 ▸amends the corporate franchise and income tax rates (from 4.95% to 4.5%); and
13 ▸amends the individual income tax rate.
This bill provides retrospective operation.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0197

Year:

2022

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 04, 2022

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Oppose

2022 Income Tax Position Statement: Unless specifically targeted to low socio economic classes and military families, Utah PTA opposes broad income tax reductions as these directly affect funding for education.

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2021-1 | Education Funding (retired)

Impact on Children:

Utah PTA opposes any bill that would decrease the education fund and therefore funding for earmarked education. Utah has consistently ranked at the bottom of the per pupil spending as defined by the Census Bureau. Utah PTA believes that investing in Utah children will reap the best dividends for Utah and Utah economy. While Utah has done wonders with the comparatively low levels of funding dedicated to education, it has also come at a cost of overstretched teachers and large class sizes. Positively impacting these two will benefit Utah children.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

That Utah PTA encourage the legislature to adequately fund critical educational needs, including but not limited to, class size reduction, teacher salaries, technology, textbooks and supplies

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

1. Support a 5% WPU increase with maximum flexibility to be used for purposes such as recruiting, supporting, and retaining teachers or upgrading buildings to be physically safe and secure.

HB0198 | Education Accountability Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends provisions related to school overall ratings under the school accountability system.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0198

Year:

2019

Status:

House/ filed

Last Action:

Mar 14, 2019

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Pending

Utah PTA Resolution:

EDU 2014-1 | Public School Accountability

Impact on Children:

Stakeholders of all kinds recognize the inadequacy of a single letter grade for schools and it is crucial that ratings be as accurate and fair as possible. Parents and students are better served by accountability systems that take into account multiple characteristics for an overall rating.

Commission:

Education

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Resolved, That Utah PTA support systems of accountability for public schools that take into account qualitative characteristics, including a welcoming environment, family engagement efforts, administrative leadership, and community collaboration; in addition to quantitative measurements, such as educator qualifications, student absenteeism, average student tested
proficiency and student academic growth; and be it further

Resolved, That Utah PTA advocates against the implementation of any accountability system that reduces the evaluation of a school to a single grade or score, that ranks schools beyond statistical confidence, and that grades on a bell curve; and be it further

Resolved, That Utah PTA and its constituent bodies support increased funding to assist schools with their plans for school improvement; and be it further

Resolved, That Utah PTA recognize the State Board of Education as the appropriate body to form standards of accountability and methods of school evaluation based on these standards; and that any legislative requirements should be made collaboratively with the State Board of Education and the expertise of the State Office of Education.

HB0199S03 | Voluntary Firearm Safekeeping Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill addresses the voluntary commitment of a firearm in cases of domestic violence.

Highlighted Provisions:

14 ▸ prohibits a law enforcement agency that receives a firearm from the owner or the
15 owner's cohabitant for safekeeping from returning the firearm to the owner if the
16 owner:
17 • is a restricted person; or
18 • is alleged to have committed a domestic violence offense and is subject to a jail
19 release agreement or a jail release court order;
20 ▸ directs the Department of Public Safety to create a pamphlet detailing a domestic
21 violence victim's rights to commit the perpetrator's firearm to a law enforcement
22 agency under certain circumstances; a

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0199S03

Year:

2023

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 14, 2023

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Utah PTA advocates for gun safety and violence prevention measures for the benefit and safety of children while recognizing the importance of responsible gun ownership and Second Amendment rights to the citizens of Utah.

Impact on Children:

For nearly 30 years, National PTA has advocated for common-sense and comprehensive gun safety and violence prevention measures while preserving the lawful use of firearms for sport and personal protection. This bill would prohibit the return of firearms to the owner if they are a restricted person or have committed a domestic violence offense.

Commission:

Safety

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

Utah PTA Legislative Policy:

To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, community, and place of worship.
To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth.

Utah PTA Legislative Priorities:

5. SAFETY. Support evidence-based community violence intervention and means reduction strategies.

National PTA and Utah PTA Position Statements:

National PTA Position Statement- GUN SAFETY AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION

National PTA advocates for restricting access to guns from persons who may
endanger public safety

Any effort to improve the safety of our nation's youth and our communities must be
comprehensive and include gun safety and violence-prevention measures.

• Enactment of Federal legislation that incentivizes states to adopt Extreme Risk
Protection Orders (ERPOs) or “red flag” laws that respect due process, individual privacy
and do not disproportionately discriminate against any individual based on race, gender,
disability or ethnicity

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

PTA Calls on Congress to Support Sensible Solutions to Gun Violence. No parent should have to fear for the safety of their child every time they leave home. Unfortunately, far too often, lives are lost or changed forever due to gun violence. PTA calls on Congress and the Administration to immediately address the many factors that contribute to the rampant gun violence in the United States.

HB0200S01 | Medicaid Waiver for Medically Complex Children Amendments

Description

General Description:

This bill amends the Medical Assistance Act.

Highlighted Provisions:

This bill amends application, eligibility, treatment, and evaluation provisions for the Medicaid program for children with complex medical conditions; and includes a child's behavioral health needs as a factor for prioritizing entrance into the program.

Bill Details

Bill Number:

HB0200S01

Year:

2022

Status:

Governor Signed

Last Action:

Mar 23, 2022

Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note Amount:

None

View Fiscal Note

Utah PTA Response

Utah PTA Position

Support

Impact on Children:

Passage of this legislation will add a child's behavioral health needs and the impact of those needs upon the family as a criteria to prioritize a qualified child's entrance into the Medicaid program. This will allow for 300 additional children to receive each year to receive treatment.

Commission:

Health

Utah PTA Public Policy Program

National PTA and Utah PTA Resolutions:

Underserved Children, Families and Pregnant Women. There must be assurances that low income and other high risk families have coverage for services that may not be included in a basic benefit plan such as outreach, case management, transportation, home visits and child care.

National PTA Public Policy Agenda

NPTA PS: National Health Reform for Children, Youth, and Families and Pregnant Women

Legislative Bills

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